Badgers can rest and heal during bye.
PROVO, Utah – Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst saw UW’s first road game of the season, against a team that prides itself on being physical, as a challenge laden with opportunities.
Challenge met; opportunities seized.
“The challenges of this week were going to be opportunities for growth,” Chryst said after UW’s 40-6 victory. “And I think we took some steps that way.”
Chryst rattled off a list of young players who showed growth – wide receivers Quintez Cephus, Danny Davis and A.J. Taylor; freshman tailback Jonathan Taylor; and redshirt sophomore quarterback Alex Hornibrook.
The 34-point victory was beneficial for the staff as well.
“I think every game is kind of neat that way, that you find out more,” Chryst said. “We’ve got to do a good job of (learning): ‘Who is this team? What are their strengths? And where do we have to continue to help them grow and get better?’”
UW, which Sunday moved up two spots to No. 10 in the Amway coaches poll and one spot to No. 9 in The Associated Press poll, enters its bye week with a 3-0 mark.
The Badgers can take off for a few days to heal and recuperate before beginning preparations for the Big Ten opener Sept. 30 against visiting Northwestern (2-1).
“We were looking for a physical game,” left guard Micah Kapoi said. “It was good for us to have this, have our break and get into Big Ten.”
Left tackle Michael Deiter, who likely will need a day or two to rest a painful right ankle, was impressed that UW made plays on offense, defense and special teams.
“Doing it on the road is really encouraging,” Deiter said. “They’ve got great fans. It was loud. And to play what I think a pretty good football game in all three phases was encouraging.”
Led by quarterback Alex Hornibrook’s 256 passing yards, UW posted at least 200 yards passing and 200 yards rushing for the third time in three games this season.
UW accomplished that feat twice in 14 games last season.
UW entered Saturday 7 of 9 on red-zone chances, with five touchdowns. The Badgers scored on 6 of 7 red-zone chances Saturday, with five touchdowns.
“I think it all started up front,” said Hornibrook, who was sacked once. “The O-line was doing a great job in the run game and especially in the pass game pretty much the whole game. And our backs were doing a good job making plays for us and just kept moving the ball.
“Everybody was locked in and it just felt like a different energy on the field . ... I think we came out with an edge.”
The defense forced two turnovers, the first on BYU’s opening series when linebacker T.J. Edwards recorded his second interception of the season.
After allowing a 61yard field-goal drive on BYU’s second series, UW’s defense held the Cougars to a combined 108 yards on the final seven series.
UW's defense has allowed 30 points in three games, all in the first half.
“I think this year’s group is starting to come together,” Chryst said of the defense.
“I like what T.J. (Edwards) is bringing. I like that he is taking that step of being a leader.”
UW opened the season as the clear favorite to win the Big Ten West Division, and the Badgers still appear to be the safe pick to advance to Indianapolis for the league title game.
“I thought it was good for us to get on the road,” Chryst said. “I think when you go on the road, you have to come together. And you know there’s going to see some adversity.
“We knew we were playing a team that wanted to be physical. We really hadn’t faced this style of a team . ... Not that everyone in the Big Ten is that, but we were going up against a veteran defense. ... We’ve got to do a good job of being smart with how we approach next week. Really didn’t spend any time, no will I, trying to analyze if (the bye) is good timing. We’ll make it good.”